Delayed dinner, long eating hours linked to depression and anxiety in shift workers

It’s not just what you eat, but also when you eat that affects your health. The study found that meal timing plays a key role in mental well-being, with delayed meal schedules linked to higher rates of depression and anxiety, especially among shift workers.

A study published in journal Jama Network examined the relationship between eating patterns and mental health among airline shift workers. After examining 22,617 participants, researchers found that meal timing, a long eating window (over 12 hours), and delayed dinner were associated with an increased risk of depression and anxiety, regardless of shift.

During the study, researchers tracked when participants ate breakfast and dinner, as well as when they ate between meals. They then compared that data with crew members’ scores on anxiety and depression measures.

This Results were striking: Day shift workers who delayed dinner after 8 p.m. were at twice the risk of depression and 78 percent greater risk of anxiety compared with those who ate earlier. In addition, delaying breakfast until after 9 a.m. was associated with a 73 percent increased risk of depression and a 79 percent increased risk of anxiety.

Similarly, workers working night shifts or on days off had an increased risk of developing anxiety or depression due to delayed meals.

“Specifically, we found that meal times (early and slow breakfast) [before 8 a.m. and after 9 a.m.] as well as a slow dinner [after 8 p.m.]) was associated with depression and anxiety, regardless of job change,” the researchers wrote.

However, people who restricted their meals to a 12-hour window each day had a 16% lower risk of anxiety and a 19% lower risk of depression compared to those who had more irregular meals.

While the study didn’t explore the exact mechanism by which meal timing affects mental health, the researchers suggest it may be due to the impact of meal timing on the body’s sleep/wake cycle, or circadian rhythm. Disruptions to this rhythm can alter metabolism, which can then affect mood and overall mental well-being.

“The results of this study indicate the need for interventions and support policies that lend a hand mitigate the negative effects of shift work and irregular working hours on the mental health of airline crew members and, more broadly, shift workers,” the researchers conclude.